Page 24 of Outback Hearts

‘Can you follow detailed instructions? Work as part of a team?’ Jake asked.

‘Yeah, reckon so.’

‘Then you’re hired.’

A younger man, early twenties, lean and nervous: ‘I’m Thommo. Work at a station out past Aramac. Boss said I could take a few months for this if I wanted. I’ve done shed construction, yards, and basic building. Nothing fancy.’

‘Nothing fancy is what we need most of,’ Jake said. ‘Welcome aboard.’

A woman in her late twenties, confident and capable-looking: ‘Bec. I’ve worked at stations for five years doing general roustabout work. Strong, reliable, not afraid of heights or hard yakka. Could use the money and the change of pace.’

Jake smiled. ‘We need more women on construction sites. You’re hired.’

By the end of the meeting, Jake had a crew: the three backpackers, four station workers (Davo, Thommo, Bec, and a quiet man named Kenny), two fossickers (Ratty and his mate Col), Tom as volunteer supervisor, and part-time help from Danny, Mitch, and Ryan when their other work allowed.

Thirteen workers. Not a huge crew, but enough to start.

‘We begin a week from Monday,’ Jake announced. ‘I’ll have a site office set up by then, safety equipment ordered, materials scheduled. First week will be mostly training—safety protocols, tool use, basic techniques. Then we start actual construction. Questions?’

‘What about accommodation?’ Davo asked. ‘We’re camping now, but for three months—’

‘Working on it,’ Alex said. ‘Council’s agreed to let us extend the old amenities block behind the pub. It’s basic but functional. We’ll set up a communal camping area, proper facilities, maybe some caravans for people who need them. Free accommodation for anyone working on the project.’

‘Meals?’ Bec asked.

‘We’re organising a roster,’ Sassy said. ‘Some of us locals will cook for the crew a few nights a week. Other nights, you’re on your own, but we’ll make sure there’s kitchen access.’

‘This is sounding more like a community project than a job,’ Thommo said with a smile.

‘That’s exactly what it is,’ Alex said. ‘A community coming together to save something that matters. Yes, it’s paid work. But it’s also bigger than that. We’re rebuilding the heart of Garnet Creek.’

A pause, then Davo spoke: ‘I’m in. Not just for the money. For what it represents.’

‘Same,’ Bec said.

One by one, they all confirmed. Not just workers—participants in something meaningful.

As the meeting broke up, Jake pulled Amelia aside.

‘You sure about this?’ he asked quietly. ‘It’s going to be intense. Physical work, long hours, heat and dust. Not everyone’s cut out for it.’

‘I’m sure,’ Amelia said, meeting his eyes. ‘I want to learn. I want to be part of this.’

Something flickered in Jake’s expression—approval, maybe respect. ‘Alright. Just remember—on-site, I’m the boss. I need to be able to trust that you’ll follow instructions, especially safety ones. Can you do that?’

‘I can do that,’ she confirmed.

‘Good.’ He held her gaze a moment longer, then nodded and turned away.

Amelia watched him go, her heart racing slightly. This was really happening. They were really doing this.

And for the next six months, she’d be working alongside Jake Miller, learning to build, helping restore something beautiful.

She couldn’t wait.

***

The week before construction began was a whirlwind of preparation.